University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Duke
November 7, 2026 | Fencing
DURHAM, N.C. – Carolina fencing opened the regular season against Duke, with both the men's and women's teams falling to the Blue Devils, 16-11 and 17-10, respectively.
The men's program was highlighted by the foil team, led by Cristian Porras, who earned two victories on the day, including a 5-1 win.
The sabre squad also had a strong showing, which combined for five victories. Vasko Atanassov led the way with three wins on the strip, while John Lin added a victories. Atanassov recorded wins in all three of his bouts, including a 5-4 victory, while Lin earned a pair of 5-3 and 5-4 wins.
Epee added four wins to the Tar Heels' total, highlighted by Youssef Shamel and Noah Silvers, who each picked up two victories. Ethan Romanov also earned a 5-4 win in his lone appearance on the strip.
The women's team was led by its sabre and epee squads, which combined for 12 of Carolina's 10 victories. Jana Elbakry and Samantha Maryash led the sabre group with two wins apiece. Elbakry earned a pair of 5-2 victories, while Maryash added wins of 5-2 and 5-1.
Women's epee was highlighted by Tatiana Zafft who secured two victories, including a 5-4 win, while Anna Temiryaev added a 5-3 victory. Sarah Mei led the foil squad with two wins, including a 5-0 victory in her first collegiate appearance on the strip.
Men's Team Result – 16-11, Duke
Foil: 6-3, Duke
Cristian Porras: 2-1
Sebastian Garcia: 0-2
Peter Bruk: 1-2
Ivan Radoslavov: 0-1
Sabre: 5-4, Duke
Vasko Atanassov: 3-0
John Lin : 2-1
Alexander Sichitiu: 0-3
Epee: 5-4, Duke
Youssef Shamel: 2-1
Noah Silvers: 2-1
Ethan Romanov: 1-0
Brayden Gyure: 0-1
Jake Mann: 0-1
Boris Muga: 0-1
Women's Team Result – 17-10
Foil: 7-2, Duke
Fiona Lee: 0-3
Molly Kettelle: 0-2
Sarah Mei: 2-1
Zhiyan Qian: 0-1
Sabre: 5-4, North Carolina
Samantha Maryash: 2-1
Jana Elkbary: 2-1
Heartlyn Tabangay: 0-2
Gabriella Alfarache: 1-0
Epee: 6-3, Duke
Elizabeth Zigalo: 0-1
Anna Temiryaev: 1-2
Tatiana Zafft: 2-1
Kaitlyn Zanga: 0-1
